LIFE & CULTURE
XpatAthens
Friday, 21 March 2025 10:40
Japan Festival 2025
The 4th Japan Festival, Greece’s most anticipated Japanese culture festival—and the only one of its kind in the country—is returning BIGGER and more EXCITING than ever on the weekend of April 26-27, 2025, at the Peristeri Exhibition Center!
Visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in both contemporary and traditional Japanese culture through a variety of engaging activities, including workshops, talks, presentations, live demonstrations, and discussion panels, all aimed at showcasing the beauty and richness of Japanese cultural heritage.
🎎 What to Expect at Japan Festival 2025
Dozens of Greek and international artists, academics, authors, comic creators, gamers, cosplayers, and martial artists who share a passion for Japan will come together to offer an interactive and unforgettable experience for festival goers.
🌟 Highlights include:
👘 Kimono showcases
🛍️ Exclusive Japanese merchandise & delicacies
🌱 Bonsai exhibition
🎤 Live concerts
🎭 Cosplay parade
✂️ Interactive workshops (origami, calligraphy, tea ceremony, kintsugi, and more!)
Visitors will embark on a cultural journey through Japan, right in the heart of Greece!
🎌 Follow Japan Festival on Social Media:
📺 YouTube: @JapanFestivalGreece1
📘 Facebook: JapanFestivalGR
📷 Instagram: @japanfestival_gr
🐦 X (Twitter): @JapanFestivalGR
📘 Facebook: JapanFestivalGR
📷 Instagram: @japanfestival_gr
🐦 X (Twitter): @JapanFestivalGR
Published in
Events In Athens
Tagged under
Thursday, 27 February 2025 10:09
Japan Festival Returns For Its 4th Year – Bigger & More Exciting Than Ever!
A Journey Through Time and the Beauty of the Land of the Rising Sun
The 4th Japan Festival, Greece’s most anticipated Japanese culture festival—and the only one of its kind in the country—is returning BIGGER and more EXCITING than ever on the weekend of April 26-27, 2025, at the Peristeri Exhibition Center!Visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in both contemporary and traditional Japanese culture through a variety of engaging activities, including workshops, talks, presentations, live demonstrations, and discussion panels, all aimed at showcasing the beauty and richness of Japanese cultural heritage.
Dozens of Greek and international artists, academics, authors, comic creators, gamers, cosplayers, and martial artists who share a passion for Japan will come together to offer an interactive and unforgettable experience for festival goers. Highlights include taiko drum performances, kimono showcases, exclusive Japanese merchandise & delicacies, bonsai exhibition, live concerts, cosplay parade, interactive workshops (origami, calligraphy, tea ceremony, kintsugi, and more!).
So far, the festival has been held three times (2019, 2022, 2024), attracting over 18,000 visitors in total!
Japan Festival 2024 in Numbers:
- Over 8,000 visitors in two days
- 13,000+ social media followers
- 26 talks, presentations & screenings
- 2 Panels featuring well-known Anime actors
- 4 Live Streaming events from Japan
- 40 FREE cultural workshops (calligraphy, tea ceremony, sumi-e, origami, sushi-making, taiko drumming, Japanese swordsmanship, etc.)
- 16 Japanese-themed art exhibitions (kimono, bonsai, origami, sumi-e, photography, Japanese artifacts, etc.
- 32 stage presentations with 12 hours of live performances
- 70 artists & creators, plus 20 exhibitors & vendors
- Traditional Japanese board games (Go, Shogi, Hanafuda, etc.)
- Retro & modern Japanese video games
- Cosplay parade with prize giveaway
- Martial arts & cultural demonstrations
- Cosplay Photo & Video Booth
What Makes Japan Festival Greece Unique? The 6 Pillars of the Festival
- Exhibitions – Showcasing Japanese visual and performing arts through interactive displays and artistic collaborations.
- Workshops – Over 40 free cultural workshops, offering hands-on experiences in calligraphy, tea ceremony, sumi-e, origami, Japanese bookbinding, sushi-making, taiko drumming, swordsmanship, kintsugi, and more! (Pre-registration required due to limited spots.)
- Talks & Presentations – Live discussions and expert panels exploring various aspects of Japanese culture, traditions, literature, philosophy, and daily life.
- Interactive Panels & Cultural Dialogue – Creating a bridge between Greek and Japanese cultures through insightful discussions with academics, artists, and cultural representatives.
- Film Screenings – Presenting a selection of Japanese films & series, from pop culture classics to traditional cinematic masterpieces.
- Commercial & Artist Alley – Featuring 70+ artists, vendors, and exhibitors, blending traditional & pop culture elements into a vibrant shopping and art space.
About the Venue & Organizers
The Japan Festival Greece is organized by Rising Sun Productions, in collaboration with Athens Bushido Center and under the auspices of:
- Greek-Japanese Association
- UNESCO Club of Piraeus & Islands (More sponsors to be announced soon!)
🏛 Venue: Peristeri Exhibition Center
📍 3000 sq.m. exhibition space
🚇 10-minute walk from "Anthoupoli" Metro Station
🚗 1,000 parking spaces available
📍 3000 sq.m. exhibition space
🚇 10-minute walk from "Anthoupoli" Metro Station
🚗 1,000 parking spaces available
Meet the Organizers
Rising Sun Productions
-
Panos Agrios (Event Organizer, Public Relations)
-
Dorita Papadodima (Production & Event Management)
Panos Agrios has been involved in sports and martial arts from a young age. Aikido, along with a trip to Japan, proved to be pivotal in his life and future path. He decided to pursue Aikido professionally, take Japanese language lessons, and travel to Japan again and again to deeply explore the Land of the Rising Sun. At the same time, his studies in antiquities conservation instilled in him a sensitivity toward the arts and cultural heritage. Meanwhile, Panos Agrios was accepted as a student at the oldest school of Japanese swordsmanship, Katori Shinto Ryu. After years of training, he took the keppan blood oath in the presence of Nobutoshi Otake sensei, officially becoming a member of the Katori Shinto Ryu family.
Since then, Panos Agrios has continuously attended advanced training seminars in Greece and abroad. He is a certified Jiu-Jitsu coach and Aikido instructor and volunteers in the Aikido teaching program at KETHEA in the women's prison of Thebes.
Dorita Papadodima was captivated by the Land of the Rising Sun through her interest in Japanese culture and the arts, and later, in its music as well. She soon decided to deepen her knowledge by studying the Japanese language and actively participating in organizing cultural and educational events in Greece, such as the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) examinations and the smooth operation of the active Greek-Japanese Association. Naturally, traveling to Japan was an inevitable step for Dorita Papadodima, as was making many friends from Japan! Dorita is the quiet force behind the festival—the person you want by your side when managing large and demanding projects.
Together, they founded the Japan Festival Greece, turning their love for Japanese culture into Greece’s premier immersive Japanese cultural event!
Artistic Direction & Social Media: art.hub team
- Konstantinos Moraitis
- Margarita Bourneli
- Efi Konst
Press & Content Management:
- Michaela Konstantellou
- Eli Kritharaki
Marketing & PR:
- Nikos Kolokatsis
Japanese Language & Translations:
-
Viki Tsiousta
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Wednesday, 26 February 2025 12:16
Lesvia – A Documentary By Tzeli Hadjidimitriou
The multi-award-winning documentary by Tzeli Hadjidimitriou in a special screening at Danaos, with the director in attendance
With Greek Subtitles.
CLICK HERE to watch the official trailer!
With Greek Subtitles.
CLICK HERE to watch the official trailer!
The first feature-length documentary by Tzeli Hadjidimitriou will be presented in a special screening on Friday, March 7, at 21:30 at Danaos Cinema. Following the screening, there will be a discussion with the director.
Synopsis
In the 1970s, lesbians from around the world began arriving in a small village on the Greek island of Lesvos. As tensions with the locals grew, filmmaker Tzeli Hadjidimitriou—a native of Lesvos and a lesbian herself—tells a 40+ year story of love, community, conflicts, and the quest for acceptance.
This could be any beautiful town on any picturesque Greek island. But it isn't. Eresos, a village with a current population of 1,581, carries a unique historical and cultural significance. Connected to the ancient poet Sappho, Eresos has, for decades, been a beacon and a utopia for the global lesbian community.
For over 40 years, lesbians from around the world have gathered here in search of love, freedom, and a sense of belonging. But their relationship with the local community has not always been smooth. Who defines the true meaning of the word Lesbian? And how ready can a small society be to embrace a complete shift from the heteronormative model—let alone become a symbol of it?
Filmmaker, photographer, and author Tzeli Hadjidimitriou carries the identity of a Lesvian both in the literal and cultural sense. With Lesvia, her debut feature-length documentary, she delivers a powerful record of Eresos’ transformation from the 1970s to today, preserving an essential piece of LGBTQ+ history. The film brings to life the story of a place and a community through rare archival footage, diaries, photographs, videos, and interviews with the people who have shaped its identity over the years.
Lesvia premiered in the International Competition section of the 26th Thessaloniki Documentary Festival, where it received a Special Mention (Mermaid Award) and the Hellenic Film Center Award for Best Debut Greek Director. The documentary also won the Jury Prize and the Audience Award at Festival Écrans Mixtes in Lyon and has been showcased and awarded at numerous international festivals over the past year. Highlights include: Audience Award – Wicked Queer: Boston’s LGBTQ+ Film Festival, Best Feature Film – Zinegoak Film Festival, Festival Favorites & Director’s Choice Awards – Palm Springs LGBTQ+ Film Festival, Best Feature Film (DOK International Jury Story) – Zinegoak Film Festival & Special Mention – Queer Porto.
Director’s Note
I was born and raised on the island of Lesvos, whose light, people, and landscapes have always inspired me. In all my previous work, I have sought to capture the spirit of Lesvos and its people. With Lesvia, my first feature film, I wanted to take the stage as a proud member of the lesbian community and tell the story of how this unique community was formed.
The film is the result of ten years of work, during which I collected material and conducted in-depth conversations with dozens of members of the lesbian community and locals from Eresos. I hope I have given everyone the space to be their authentic selves.
Eresos itself—this breathtaking volcanic landscape with its endless beach, blue waters, and unique light that once inspired Sappho—is one of the central characters of the film. Its image, shifting through different seasons, intertwines with my own personal story. In this sense, Lesvia is both a personal and a collective narrative. It is not just my story, but the story of hundreds of lesbians who have fought to carve out a space where they can exist freely and safely. A space where the lesbian community continues to evolve and expand, offering an undeniable and secure haven for self-expression.
About the Director
Tzeli Hadjidimitriou was born and raised in Lesvos. She is an award-winning filmmaker, visual artist, and author. Her photography has been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in Australia, China, Italy, Turkey, and Greece and has been published in numerous photobooks. She developed a passion for cinema through workshops with Michelangelo Antonioni and later studied Cinematography in Rome. Since 1990, she has been filming, photographing, and documenting the lives of Lesvos’ residents.
Her book A Girl’s Guide to Lesbos (2012) was the first guide to document the lesbian history of Eresos and its connection to the ancient poet Sappho.
She is a founding member of Anemos Dimirourgias, a creative initiative based in Athens that produces works exploring gender, sexuality, and cultural diversity through film, documentaries, photography, visual arts, and symposia. Lesvia is her first feature-length documentary.
About CineDoc
CLICK HERE to view the CineDoc 2024-2025 Program in Greek!
CineDoc selectively screens and distributes award-winning Greek and foreign documentaries as part of the Cinedoc Festival. The screenings are organized in cooperation with the French Institute of Greece, Danaos Cinema, the Thessaloniki Film Festival, CineDoc Volos, the Municipality of Volos, "Simeio" Cultural Space in Rethymno, the Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPF), and Thalassa Foundation. The screenings aim to encourage dialogue and inspire collective actions around themes such as the environment, gender equality, inclusivity, education, history, etc.
Additionally, it collaborates regularly with cultural institutions, universities, agencies, and organizations (e.g., the Gennadius Library, Harokopio University, SAE Athens, European University Cyprus, Megaron Music Hall, Piraeus Bank Cultural Foundation, etc.) and participates in conferences, festivals, and cultural events, organizing special screenings (e.g., Irida Visions, The Future of Retail, Ocean Film Festival, Piraeus Port Film Festival, Athens Pride - Athens, Europride - Thessaloniki, Come as You Are Festival - Larissa, Limassol Documentary Festival – Cyprus, etc.).
CineDoc constantly expands its network through the organization of documentary screenings under the CineDoc Island initiative, both in the islands (Cyclades, Sporades, Ionian, and Dodecanese) and the rest of Greece, in collaboration with local organizations and cinema clubs. The screenings are held under the patronage and financial support of the Ministry of Culture.
For More Information: https://www.cinedoc.gr | cinedocanemon@gmail.com
Published in
Events In Athens
Tagged under
Monday, 24 February 2025 13:50
A Tribute To Charlie Parker By Gilad Atzmon Quartet
THEATRE OF THE NO, Athens’ first English-speaking theatre, presents an extraordinary tribute to the legendary Charlie Parker, performed by Gilad Atzmon Quartet. This electrifying event, takes place on Saturday 1st March at 22:30, offering an unforgettable evening of jazz that reimagines Parker’s timeless sound with a contemporary twist.
Far more than a nostalgic tribute, this performance is a celebration of Parker’s enduring legacy and the very essence of jazz itself. Charlie “Bird” Parker, together with Dizzy Gillespie, revolutionized the sound of jazz, pioneering the Bebop movement and transforming Afro-American music into high art. His influence elevated jazz beyond the ballroom, establishing it as the classical music of America.
At the helm of this tribute is Gilad Atzmon, a world-renowned saxophonist and jazz visionary. Known for his ability to channel the energy and soul of jazz’s Golden Era, he brings a fresh and dynamic approach to Parker’s music. Atzmon’s 2008 album, "In Loving Memory of America" (ENJA Records), was both a best-seller and an award-winning tribute to Parker, widely praised by music lovers and critics alike. His fresh approach captures the virtuosity, soul, and electrifying energy that made Bird’s music both groundbreaking and deeply moving.
PRESS QUOTES ON ATZMON’S PARKER TRIBUTE:
“Gilad Atzmon combines thrilling jazz musicianship with a maverick political intelligence.” – The Guardian
“One of the finest alto players around. Gilad pays his respects to Bird. It’s striking how similar Gilad’s sweet, open-throated sound is to Parker’s, but as you’d expect from the fiery philosopher-turned-Blockhead, this is no mere tribute album.” – BBC Music Magazine
“Maybe because he’s such a wild card himself, saxophonist Atzmon plays Charlie Parker with a perfect mix of bluster and vulnerability.” – The Independent
“Atzmon is surely the hardest-gigging man in British jazz... the music here is subtle, ambiguous, often beautiful – and features a saxophonist playing deep from the heart.” – The Times
INFO
Gilad Atzmon: tenor sax
Michalis Tsiftsis: electric guitar
Giorgos Pantazopoulos: bass
Sera Bellos: drums
Videos:
Ronnie Scotts’: https://www.youtube.com/live/ZN59YoOKwjo?si=98o1DcDQggpyKt4v
Documentary: https://youtu.be/mbg0YYH5wr0?si=bPrHRE7ux6JPYW1b
Credits
Poster Design: Sotiria Bramou
Social Media: Kallia Gerakianaki
P.R. & Communication: Eleftheria Sakareli
Date & Time: Saturday 1st March at 22:30
Bar Available: Beer 3€, Drinks 6-8€
THEATRE OF THE NO: Konstantinou Palaiologou 3, Athens Ι +30 6946851001
(opposite the Athens City Hall)
Website & Social Media
Published in
Events In Athens
Tagged under
Wednesday, 19 February 2025 10:28
Athens Carnival 2025: A Citywide Celebration of Music, Dance, & Tradition
Athens is gearing up for another spectacular carnival season in 2025, bringing together age-old traditions, vibrant parades, and electrifying musical performances. From the grand procession in Syntagma Square to neighborhood festivities filled with laughter and dance, the Greek capital will be brimming with the spirit of Apokries. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this year's carnival promises unforgettable moments for all. Here’s a detailed look at what’s in store!
Thursday, February 20 – Tsiknopempti (Smoky Thursday)
Kickstarting the festivities, Tsiknopempti is a day dedicated to feasting, music, and merriment:
-
11 AM: The streets of Athens come alive with a Traditional Apokries Parade featuring a reenactment of the Kordelatoi from Naxos. Expect a colorful display from Syntagma Square to Monastiraki.
-
11:30 AM: Enjoy a Philharmonic Orchestra Musical Walk at Varvakios Market, setting the perfect carnival mood.
-
12 PM: A concert by the Athens Municipality Greek Music Workshop will keep spirits high with Greek folk and laïko tunes at Varvakios Market.
-
7 PM & 8:30 PM: As the night falls, Kotzia Square hosts back-to-back live concerts with KogiaMan and Gidiki, blending traditional Greek, Balkan, and Mediterranean melodies.
Saturday, February 22 – Community and Street Festivities
-
11 AM: Experience the magic of a Parade of Carnival Groups winding from Kotzia Square to Monastiraki, where folk reenactments will showcase Greece’s rich cultural heritage.
-
11:30 AM: The little ones can enjoy a Children’s Carnival Party in Dourgouti Park, featuring games, face painting, and balloon artistry.
-
12 PM: Athens’ neighborhoods come alive with multiple Carnival Walks, including a drumming parade by Quilombo in Kypseli and a folk dance party in Mesolongiou Square.
-
1 PM: Music lovers shouldn’t miss the Athens Municipality Big Band Jazz Concert on Dionysiou Areopagitou Pedestrian Street, adding a swing-infused touch to the celebrations.
Sunday, February 23 – Family-Friendly Fun and Cultural Revelry
-
10 AM: Engage in the 14th Treasure Hunt in Mets, a fun and educational adventure through Athens' historical sites.
-
11:30 AM – 2 PM: Zappeion transforms into a carnival wonderland with children’s entertainment, stilt walkers, and circus acts.
-
12 PM: Plaka and Thissio turn into open-air theaters with traditional Apokries performances and the famous gaitanaki ribbon dance.
-
6 PM: A Zakynthian Carnival Walk from the Acropolis Metro to Monastiraki celebrates the Ionian tradition with serenades and folk dances.
Tuesday, February 25 – Satirical Songs and Neighborhood Carnivals
-
10 AM – 1 PM: Kypseli Municipal Market hosts a Children’s Carnival Celebration featuring music and interactive activities.
-
7 PM: The OTE Cultural Centre presents an evening of satirical carnival songs and dances, highlighting Apokries’ playful and humorous side.
Thursday, February 27 – Community Carnival Parades
-
10:30 AM: The neighborhoods of Attiki and Agios Panteleimonas come together for a Carnival Parade, where school groups and cultural collectives showcase their Apokries spirit.
Saturday, March 1 – A Day for the Kids
-
11 AM: Across Athens, parks and squares host Children’s Carnival Celebrations, complete with mascots, games, face painting, and traditional dances.
-
12 PM – 2 PM: Klafthmonos Square stages a lively outdoor performance of “Two Grooms – One Bride”, a theatrical nod to 17th-century Zakynthian carnival traditions.
Sunday, March 2 – The Grand Carnival Parade
-
5 PM: The carnival season reaches its peak with the Grand Carnival Parade from Syntagma to Kotzia Square. Expect stilt walkers, dance performances, a stunning Chinese dragon, and a vibrant street party.
-
7 PM: The night concludes with a Live Concert by Decibel Band in Kotzia Square, delivering an energetic fusion of music and carnival vibes.
Monday, March 3 – Clean Monday (Kathara Deftera)
-
11 AM: Athens embraces the Lenten season with Koulouma at Philopappou Hill, featuring traditional kite flying and folk music.
-
11:30 AM: A Philharmonic Orchestra Musical Walk ensures the carnival ends on a melodious note.
-
11:30 AM: Dance and celebrate one last time with a Traditional Folk Gathering, complete with delicious Lenten treats.
Join the Celebration!
Whether you’re after dazzling parades, cultural traditions, or musical extravaganzas, Athens Carnival 2025 has something for everyone. Mark your calendar, put on your best costume, and immerse yourself in the city's most vibrant festival of the year!
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Friday, 14 February 2025 16:19
Valentine's Day At Mona Athens
On February 15 & 16 we celebrate love at Mona’s Living room during the closing week of CAFE SOCIETY pop-up brunch with esteemed guests.
Savour a gourmet plant-based menu by Justine Pruvot, enjoy exquisite natural wines by Tanini Agapi Mou and explore a one-of-a-kind selection of vintage fashion curated by L'on Space. Vinyls sets by Chris Kontos (15/2) & Leonidas Danezos (16/2), to create a tender atmosphere.
Open Doors | First Come, First Loved 🏹♥️
Published in
Events In Athens
Tagged under
Thursday, 13 February 2025 16:14
Cinedoc Presents: The Silence of Others – Screening Tour In Greece
With the support of the Cervantes Institute of Athens, Cinedoc presents the Oscar-nominated documentary The Silence of Others in Athens, Volos, and Thessaloniki.
In Spanish, with Greek subtitles.
Cinedoc presents the award-winning historical documentary The Silence of Others, directed by Almudena Carracedo and Robert Bahar, and produced by Pedro Almodóvar. The screenings are held with the support of the Cervantes Institute of Athens and in collaboration with the Oral History Groups (O.P.I.).
The documentary was nominated for the Oscar for Best International Feature Film (2019) and has been screened and awarded at numerous film festivals. Among others, it won the Audience Award (Panorama) and the Peace Film Prize for Best Documentary at the Berlinale (2018), 2nd Audience Award at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam - IDFA (2018), and the Goya Award for Best Documentary (2019).
To watch the official trailer, please CLICK HERE!
Synopsis
With the 1977 Amnesty Law, the crimes of Franco’s dictatorship (1939-1975) remained unpunished for decades. Thus, although more than forty years have passed since the restoration of democracy in Spain, the wounds of the painful past remain open. Filmed over six years, the film follows the victims, survivors, and their relatives as they begin a collective fight for justice, against the oblivion imposed by the state.
The case makes history: what began as a small effort led to the issuance of the first arrest warrants for the perpetrators, including torturers, ministers, and doctors involved in cases of stolen children, among others.
Often, the cry of the few for justice is enough to break the criminal silence of the many.
Directors’ Note
In 2010, the story of the "stolen children" of Spain began to be published. The history of these crimes, rooted in the early days of Franco’s rule, led us to explore the broader marginalization and silencing of the victims.
Why did Spain come to a "Pact of Oblivion"? And what were the consequences of this Pact, during 40 years of democracy, for the living victims of Franco’s dictatorship?
When we began filming the Argentine lawsuit process in 2012, which challenged this status quo, few believed anything would change. But as we filmed those early meetings, we could see that this lawsuit was creating something vital, leading to hundreds of testimonies from all over Spain. As the number of testimonies peaked, a compelling argument for crimes against humanity was created, for which justice had to be sought at an international level.
SCREENING SCHEDULE
With the support of the Cervantes Institute of Athens and in collaboration with the Oral History Groups (O.P.I.).
- Athens – French Institute
Premiere in Athens: Thursday, February 20, 20:00
After the screening, a discussion will follow with Dimitris Filippis, Associate Professor at the Hellenic Open University - "Spanish Language and Culture" Program.
Presale: https://www.more.com/gr-el/tickets/cinema/festival/cinedoc-2025-the-silence-of-others/
- Athens – Danaos Cinema
Sunday, February 23, 16:00
Presale: https://www.danaoscinema.gr/movie/i-siopi-ton-allon-cinedoc-2025/
- Thessaloniki – “Stavros Tornes” Hall
Wednesday, February 19, 18:45
The screening will be introduced by Nikos Marantzidis, Professor of Political Science, University of Macedonia.
Presale: https://www.filmfestival.gr/el/cinemas-gr/program
- Volos – Nea Ionia Cultural Center
Saturday, March 15, 20:00
Presale: ENTEKA - Digital Prints
Info: https://www.facebook.com/CineDocVolos
About CineDoc
CLICK HERE to view the CineDoc 2024-2025 Program in Greek!
CineDoc selectively screens and distributes award-winning Greek and foreign documentaries as part of the Cinedoc Festival. The screenings are organized in cooperation with the French Institute of Greece, Danaos Cinema, the Thessaloniki Film Festival, CineDoc Volos, the Municipality of Volos, "Simeio" Cultural Space in Rethymno, the Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPF), and Thalassa Foundation. The screenings aim to encourage dialogue and inspire collective actions around themes such as the environment, gender equality, inclusivity, education, history, etc.
Additionally, it collaborates regularly with cultural institutions, universities, agencies, and organizations (e.g., the Gennadius Library, Harokopio University, SAE Athens, European University Cyprus, Megaron Music Hall, Piraeus Bank Cultural Foundation, etc.) and participates in conferences, festivals, and cultural events, organizing special screenings (e.g., Irida Visions, The Future of Retail, Ocean Film Festival, Piraeus Port Film Festival, Athens Pride - Athens, Europride - Thessaloniki, Come as You Are Festival - Larissa, Limassol Documentary Festival – Cyprus, etc.).
CineDoc constantly expands its network through the organization of documentary screenings under the CineDoc Island initiative, both in the islands (Cyclades, Sporades, Ionian, and Dodecanese) and the rest of Greece, in collaboration with local organizations and cinema clubs. The screenings are held under the patronage and financial support of the Ministry of Culture.
For More Information: https://www.cinedoc.gr | cinedocanemon@gmail.com
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Thursday, 13 February 2025 13:50
Athens English Comedy Club - February 16th Show!
Join the Athens English Comedy Club on Sunday, February 16th, for an open mic night!
It'll be a mix of everything. A potluck of comedy. Colourful, comedic, chaos!
MC: Odysseas Deniz Ürem
Headliner: Visiting comedian Oumer Teyeb, all the way from Montreal!
Experienced and new comedians trying out their best new jokes. Some of them will be good, some of them will be great, and some will never see the light of day again. It's up to you!
Founded in 2019, the Athens English Comedy Club is the first, and only, purely English comedy club in Greece!
In the last 5+ years, the Athens English Comedy Club has hosted lineup shows, open mic shows, online competitions, and comedy workshops, with *130* local and international comedians from *28 countries*
Date: Sunday, February 16th
Time: 21:00 (Doors open 20:40)
Tickets:€8-10
Duration: 1h30 + interval
Duration: 1h30 + interval
Recommended for ages 16+
Address: ELIART Theater - Konstantinoupoleos 127 (closest to Kerameikos and Metaxourgeio metro stations).
The theatre is wheelchair accessible.
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uV8fHDWXcJM7YJr78
Info: 6987994689 // athensenglishcomedyclub@gmail.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sign up to our newsletter for direct-to-email updates and exclusive ticket offers!: http://eepurl.com/it6PzQ
Follow us on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/athensenglishcomedyclub
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athensenglishcomedyclub/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Englishcomedygr
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AthensEnglishComedyClub
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@athensenglishcomedyclub
Come and laugh! Nay! Come and chortle. Or better yet, guffaw!
Published in
Events In Athens
Tagged under
Tuesday, 11 February 2025 09:58
Tapping For Kids With EFT Practitioner Eleni Vardaki
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), commonly known as tapping, are gaining recognition as an approach for emotional regulation and mental well-being among kids of all ages.
EFT involves tapping on specific meridian points on the body while focusing on a specific distressing emotion, physical sensation, experience, or goal.
Research on EFT for kids shows that it significantly reduces their anxiety as well as improving performance. Tapping is therefore a valuable approach for protecting and improving kids’ mental health and well-being as well as helping them achieve their goals.
What is EFT Tapping?
Tapping combines elements of ancient Chinese medicine and Modern Psychology. It’s an effective method for dealing with negative emotions. For children, tapping can be particularly beneficial in managing feelings of anxiety, fear, or frustration.
Kids “short-circuit” their stress response and negative emotions by tapping on specific acupressure points while focusing on their concerns or feelings. This allows them to deal with a stressful situation from a calmer emotional state.
Essentially, when a child taps with a qualified EFT specialist, it’s like doing acupuncture without needles for their negative emotions. That, in turn, helps interrupt negative thinking patterns.
10 Benefits of Tapping for Kids
- Safe and Gentle: EFT presents a low-risk, accessible way of enhancing the emotional well-being of kids and adolescents. It’s a non-invasive modality that is safe for children of all ages. When the stress is reduced to a low enough level using EFT, a child’s negative thinking about a particular stressor tends to shift to a more neutral or positive frame of mind. In EFT therapy, we call this a Client Cognitive Reframe. It happens organically as part of the therapeutic EFT process.
-
Emotional Regulation: EFT helps children articulate their feelings and manage their emotions effectively. For instance, a child experiencing bullying can tap on specific points while they talk about their feelings of fear or sadness. This not only alleviates immediate distress but also fosters resilience in handling future emotional challenges.
-
Emotion-Focused Tapping: Working with an EFT Practitioner helps kids identify specific emotions (like anxiety or sadness) and tap through them together.
-
Specific Event Tapping: If necessary, an EFT Practitioner may also encourage kids to recall a specific upsetting event while tapping to neutralize the associated negative emotions.
- Addressing Trauma: For older kids who may have experienced things like bullying or a traumatic meltdown in an important exam, EFT serves as a gentle therapeutic intervention that can help them process these events in a safe manner. Various play- based EFT strategies are used for younger kids to facilitate communication and the processing of trauma.
- Increased Confidence: Regular tapping sessions can empower young people by enhancing their self-esteem and confidence. As they learn to manage their emotions using EFT, they become more equipped to face academic pressures and social situation without overwhelming anxiety.
- Accessible Stress Management: Kids can easily integrate EFT into their daily routines by make tapping a regular practice. They can do EFT before exams or presentations to ease anxiety, or even before going to bed as many struggle with sleep issues due to anxiety or racing minds.
- Improved Sleep: Adolescents often experience heightened stress levels when faced with increased academic demands or unkind peer behaviours. Working with a tapping specialist helps children address these concerns, which in turn improves their sleep.
- Mindfulness and Self-Reflection: EFT encourages mindfulness by prompting teens to focus on their feelings while engaging in the tapping process. It’s a self-reflective practice that encourages emotional awareness and healthier coping strategies.
- Tapping for Clearing Blocks to Achieving a Specific Goal: EFT for achieving goals is great for adolescents. They enjoy having that 1:1 support to clear any emotional or stress blocks to achieving a goal that is important to them regarding grades, exams, presentations, changing a bad habit, friendships goals, etc.
- Rapid Results: Children often lack the emotional baggage adults carry, so EFT can yield even quicker results, enabling them to process negative emotions more efficiently. Plus, by learning tapping techniques, they gain valuable skills to manage their emotions in between sessions. This agency further increasing the speed of results as they don’t need to wait for their next session with their EFT Practitioner to make progress.
Whether your child struggles with school stress, social anxieties, or emotional outbursts, EFT sessions can provide them with the tools they need to navigate their feelings effectively.
Email: eleni@elenivardaki.com
Published in
Featured Greek Businesses
Tagged under
Thursday, 20 February 2025 12:36
Athens Old & New - Group Show At FokiaNou Art Space
Duration: 20 February – 8 March 2025
Hours: Thursday – Saturday, 17.00 -20.00
Opening: Thursday, 20 February, 18.00
Hours: Thursday – Saturday, 17.00 -20.00
Opening: Thursday, 20 February, 18.00
For the first exhibition of 2025, FokiaNou Art Space presents a group show entitled “Athens Old and New”. This follows a tradition where since 2018, FokiaNou’s first show of the year has been a group show with theme of Athens. In response to an open call, 18 artists will participate with works in various media, responding to the theme of rapid and massive changes going on in Athens at present.
From the current building boom to infrastructure “improvements”, the growth in mass tourism to less tangible shifts in the local culture, the changes create the circumstances for reflection on how the city once was. The exhibition captures this particular moment in time, contributing to a creative dialogue and prompting the public to reflect on their relationship with the city and its constant transformation.
Participating artists: Maria Bourbou, Mary Cox, Panagiotis Ferentinos, Maria Gavriil, Spyros Kamperis, Dwra Konsta, Vani Koronaki, Maria Claudia Litsas, Despoina Pantazi, Eleni Papanikolaou,Vicky Samouilidou, Efi Seitanidou, Stella Sevastopoulos, Vassiliki Spyrou, Geeta Roopnarine, Aristidis Theodorou, Marianne Wie, Kiveli Zachariou.
Curated by: Mary Cox and Panagiotis Voulgaris
FokiaNou Art Space is an artist-run project space in the intimacy of a small apartment in an old building in the center of Athens. The space encourages collaborative creative efforts between Greek and foreign artists, thereby promoting and supporting the local art community. The space hosts exhibitions, workshops and projects under the direction of two artists, Mary Cox and Panagiotis Voulgaris,
and celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2024.
Published in
Events In Athens
Tagged under